Training aid

ABSTRACT

A training aid apparatus composed of: a power source; an illuminator electrically attached to the power source; and an actuator electrically attached to the illuminator for readily controlling illumination of the illuminator.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a continuation-in-part of PCT/IL2005/000315, filed Mar. 18, 2004, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus and system permitting simulated firing from any hand held firearm. In particular, the present invention relates to a light emitting ammunition to be used as part of a system for registering “hits” during dry-fire exercises and gaming with any hand-held firearm. Without any change to either the feel, or the external dimensions of the gun

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There has long existed the need for an apparatus and system whereby a user could train with a firearm without placing himself or others at risk of accidental discharge of the firearm. This safety imperative coincides with an added desire to limit the wear and tear on a firearm brought about by extensive firing during training. This has proven to be especially relevant to those in the law-enforcement field or military personnel requiring a high degree of firearm practice.

The traditional means of firearm training, whereby a user at a shooting range fires live ammunition at a target, has proven to have a number of significant drawbacks. The more prevalent of these drawbacks include the above-mentioned risk of accidental discharge of the user's or others' firearms, the associated dangers of being present near live fire training, the increasing wear and tear on a firearm as it is used in training, and the general inconvenience of the shooting range paradigm. As such, there exists the need for an alternative to traditional firearm training that will mitigate the above disadvantages while maintaining the overall benefit of live fire training.

Many “dry-fire” inventions and methods now exist to ensure that users may train with their respective firearms without the safety risks and accompanying deterioration inherent in traditional firearm training. The present invention introduces a new apparatus and system for achieving a high degree of safety and accuracy during training while significantly reducing the wear and tear on a firearm during same.

Various prior art apparatuses and methods have been described and reviewed in earlier U.S. Pat. No. 5,488,795, US02/0057719, U.S. Pat. No. 5,909,951, and European Patent No. EP0467090, which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,488,795 (hereinafter: “Sweat”) describes the Multi-caliber Laser Firing Cartridge, comprised of a laser projector with a mechanical firing pin switch. The laser projector utilizes a concentric shape recalling that of a bullet. Sweat's innovation lies in the adjustable settings that allows a single cartridge to be used in different caliber weapons. Sweat also teaches a switch unit that allows a mechanical pulse delay using a specific described mechanism. However, the disclosed invention still has many disadvantages. Sweat dos not teach rim modification that prevents ejection of the cartridge, nor does Sweat describe the use of modulation to carry information. Furthermore, Sweat does not describe a safety interlock. Sweat's module can be activated by a single pressure switch, leading to a laser radiation in a direction perhaps unintended by the user.

U.S. Patent No. US02/0057719 (hereinafter: “Shechter”) describes an improved system over Sweat's innovation in that Shechter describes a rim design that prevents ejection of the bullet. However, Shechter teaches away from a firing pin switch, instead describing a mechanical wave sensor and/or an acoustic sensor. This is a disadvantage in that Shechter's mechanical wave sensor and/or acoustic sensor is prone to misfiring when subjected to extraneous vibration or noise, which often occur during simulation training.

European Patent No. 0467090 (hereinafter: “Budmiger”), which was not submitted for U.S. patent prosecution, teaches a switch mechanism that is comprised of a piezoelectric transducer and an independent power supply. However, Budmiger only claims as novelty a combination of a piezoelectric transducer and a battery as a firing pin impact switch and such novelty would appear to be limited to the specific combination described, leaving other innovations available to the public.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,909,951 (hereinafter: “Johnsen”) teaches the use of a multi-channel laser signal. The signal includes an alignment carrier that allows a training system to generate aiming feedback as well as a pulse that simulates a gunshot when an acoustic sensor detects a trigger release. Johnsen does not utilize a firing pin, nor is there a method dealing with an ejection mechanism. Johnsen's implementation is not limited to a handgun but can be applied to a rifle and a shotgun as well. There exists, however, several disadvantages to Johnsen's apparatus. Despite teaching visible light, Johnsen does not claim the use of visible light. Rather, Johnsen's claims specifically refer to non-visible light, modulated to carry information about the state of the weapon (firing or aiming). Johnsen also discloses specific algorithms and circuitry required to properly simulate the travel delay of a projectile for more accurate simulations, such specific algorithms and circuitry not being relevant for a handgun at a range of 25 yards or less. Johnsen's system does not use the case of the embodiment to complete an electrical circuit, relying instead on internal circuitry. Finally, the shape of the module in Johnsen is not concentric and does not resemble a true bullet.

Thus, such inventions as those described above generally suffer from at least one of several disadvantages, including, inter alia, the lack of a safety interlock and the use of an accident prone mechanical wave/acoustic sensor. Therefore, the need exists to create a module and system whereby the foregoing disadvantages are adequately remedied to a provide safe and durable “dry-fire” alternative.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a training aid and system, which training aid is capable of being manufactured in different sizes for use with any pre-existing handheld firearm. The training aid is designed to replace a standard ammunition cartridge for use during firearm training exercises and preferably bears a strong visual and physical resemblance to a standard cartridge. The training aid of the present invention is comprised of no combustible material and need not be capable of any physical projection. Rather, the training aid utilizes an illumination source to emit a visible light collinear with the barrel of the firearm.

As is the case with any handheld firearm, a user must first “cock” the firearm loaded with the present invention in order initialize the training aid. Cocking is known as the process of displacing the hammer of a firearm to a rearward position, thereby preparing the trigger of the weapon for firing. Cocking is generally accomplished in one of several ways, depending on the make and model of a given firearm. In many handgun models a user may cock the weapon by manually thumbing back the hammer of the firearm. In other models, a “slide” is displaced to aft of the firearm. In still other models, such as in double action handguns, a rearward displacement of the trigger results in a complementary rearward displacement of the hammer. Release of the hammer occurs when the trigger of the firearm is depressed with the requisite amount of pressure. Once the firearm has been appropriately cocked, the firearm thereby becomes ready to be discharged by a rearward displacement of the firearm's trigger.

When the user “pulls the trigger” of the firearm, it causes a complementary displacement of the hammer to a forward position, which hammer hits the weapon's firing pin, thereby displacing the firing pin to hit the firing cap of the chambered cartridge. With a standard cartridge, this causes a chemical reaction whereby the primer is burned, the extreme heat from which burning leads to the bullet being launched from the cartridge at an extremely fast speed. When the training aid is chambered instead of a standard cartridge, the firing pin will hit an actuator located on the rear of the training aid, thereby completing an electrical circuit. Completion of the electrical circuit releases illumination from the illuminator in the training aid. The illumination then passes through a collimator for readily focusing the illumination. The focused illumination is emitted from the barrel of the firearm and appears for a fixed duration at a point collinear with the firearm's barrel.

The foregoing objective, feature, functions and advantages of the present invention can be more easily understood upon a thoughtful deliberation of the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

According to the present invention there is provided a training aid apparatus including: (a) a power source, an illuminator electrically attached to the power source, and (c) an actuator electrically attached to the illuminator for readily controlling illumination of the illuminator.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the training aid has a concentric shape recalling that of a standard cartridge.

According to yet further embodiments of the present invention the illuminator is a light emitting diode.

According to still further embodiments of the present invention the illuminator is a light bulb.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the illuminator is a laser.

According to still further embodiments of the present invention the illuminator is an “eye safe” laser.

According to yet further embodiments of the present invention the actuator further includes a pressure sensitive switch.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the pressure sensitive switch is constructed of electrically conductive material.

According to yet further embodiments of the present invention the pressure sensitive switch simulates a firearm primer.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the actuator includes an energy absorbing material.

According to still further embodiments of the present invention the training aid apparatus further includes a collimator for focusing and/or collimating illumination passing through the collimator.

According to yet further embodiments of the present invention the collimator collimates illumination passing through the collimator into an area of illumination is substantially between 0.01 and 0.1 centimeters in diameter when illuminating at 9 yards.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the collimator collimates illumination passing through the collimator into an area of illumination is substantially between 0.1 and 0.6 centimeters in diameter when illuminating at 9 yards.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the power source includes a capacitor for limiting illumination duration.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the training aid apparatus further includes a time chip for controlling the time of illumination of the illuminator.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the time chip facilitates illumination of the illuminator for any time between 0.01 seconds and 1.0 seconds.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the time chip facilitates “eye safe” illumination of the illuminator.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the time chip facilitates illumination of the illuminator for substantially 0.25 seconds.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the time chip facilitates illumination of the illuminator for any time between 0.5 seconds and 2.0 seconds

According to further embodiments of the present invention the illuminator is modulated between 10-100 KHz.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the illuminator is modulated at substantially 40 KHz.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the illuminator illuminates at any wavelength.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the illuminator illuminates substantially at a wavelength producing visible red illumination.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the illuminator illuminates substantially at a wavelength producing visible green illumination.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the training aid apparatus further includes a transmitter for transmitting a signal.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the signal is compatible with any weapon simulation system.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a training aid system including: (a) a handheld firearm including a barrel, (b) a training aid apparatus situated in the barrel including: (i) a power source, (ii) an illuminator electrically attached to the power source, and (iii) an actuator electrically attached to the illuminator for readily controlling illumination of the illuminator, and (c) an audio apparatus responsive to the training aid apparatus.

According to further embodiments of the system according to the present invention the training aid apparatus includes a wireless transmitter and the audio apparatus includes a receiver.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the firearm includes a magazine with an identification chip and the audio apparatus includes a receiver.

According to still further embodiments of the present invention the training aid apparatus has a concentric shape recalling that of a standard cartridge.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the training aid apparatus includes a pneumatic element.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the magazine includes a weighted striker for simulating subjective and objective recoil.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the magazine further includes a displacer for readily displacing the weighted striker against a striking surface.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the displacer is responsive to an action selected from the group consisting of: the training aid apparatus being activated, the actuator being activated, a sound from a firing pin, a vibration from the firing pin and the firing pin striking the actuator.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the audio apparatus further includes a speaker.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the audio apparatus further includes a speaker for simulating a sound selected from the group consisting of a specific handheld firearm being fired, voicing instructions by a human instructor and voicing imbedded instructions in accordance to a training scenario.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the audio apparatus includes a set of headphones for simulating a sound selected from the group consisting of: a specific handheld firearm being fired, voicing instructions by a human instructor and voicing imbedded instructions in accordance to a training scenario.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the audio apparatus further includes a processing unit.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the processing unit is a computer.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the computer is interfaced to a signal from the training aid apparatus.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the signal received by the computers is fully interfaced with any on-line or web-based software running on the computer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of a first embodiment of the training aid apparatus in a firearm; and

FIG. 2 is schematic view of the training aid system according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a training aid 10. Training aid 10 is preferably comprised of an illuminator 12, a power source 14, and an actuator 16.

Training aid 10 is preferably used while situated inside of, and in conjunction with, a handheld firearm 20, wherein handheld firearm 20 is preferably comprised of a trigger 22, a hammer 24, a firing pin 26, and a barrel 28. Barrel 28 is preferably comprised of a material capable of conducting an electrical current.

Preferably, handheld firearm 20 is one selected from the group consisting of a pistol, a revolver, a shotgun, a rifle, and the like.

Preferably, training aid 10 has a concentric shape recalling that of a standard cartridge 30.

Optionally, handheld firearm 20 may contain a standard ammunition cartridge 30 in addition to training aid 10.

Preferably, illuminator 12 is a light emitting diode (“LED”) for readily emitting a visible light. Alternatively, illuminator 12 is a bulb, which bulb is constructed of such desired shape and size so as to fit within the physical contours of training aid 10.

More preferably, illuminator 12 is a laser diode for readily emitting coherent electro-magnetic radiation.

Preferably, power source 14 is electrically connected to illuminator 12. Preferably, power source 14 is situated in adjacency to illuminator 12 for readily powering illuminator 12. Optionally, illuminator 12 is powered by a battery 20.

Alternatively, actuator 16 is constructed of a crystalline. Optionally, actuator 16 is constructed of at least one crystalline formation, such that application of mechanical stress and/or pressure on actuator 16 generates sufficient electric current to power illuminator 12.

Preferably, power source 14 generates electric current by application of stress and/or mechanical pressure to a substance thus bringing about electric polarization in the substance.

Preferably, actuator 16 includes a pressure sensitive switch 32 constructed of such material so as to be able to conduct an electrical current.

Preferably, pressure sensitive switch 32 simulates a firearm primer. Preferably, actuator 16 is constructed of such material so as to substantially lessen impact of firing pin 26 when actuator 16 is struck by firing pin 26.

Preferably, actuator 16 and/or pressure sensitive switch 32 includes an energy absorbing material such that energy from firing pin 26 striking pressure sensitive switch 32 is dampened.

Preferably, actuator 16 and/or pressure sensitive switch 32 are constructed in way that energy from firing pin 26 striking pressure sensitive switch 32 is dampened.

Preferably, actuator 16 is electrically connected to, and situated near, power source 14 so as to be capable of conducting an electrical current from power source 14. Actuator 16 is further preferably electrically connected to, and situated near, batteries 20′ (FIG. 2) so as to be capable of conducting an electrical current from batteries 20′.

Preferably, training aid 10 includes a capacitor 34 attached to, or integrally formed with, power source 14.

Preferably, capacitor 34 is geared toward providing a multiplicity of time settings wherein capacitor can be preset to release an electrical charge sufficient for a single illumination of illuminator 12.

Optionally, a time chip 35 (FIG. 2) is electrically connected to, or integrally formed with, power source 14.

Preferably, time chip 35 can be preset to readily facilitate illumination of illuminator 12 for any time between 0.01 seconds and 1.0 seconds.

Preferably, time chip 35 can be preset to readily facilitate illumination of illuminator 12 for any time between 0.05 seconds and 0.30 seconds.

Preferably, time chip 35 can be preset to readily facilitate illumination of illuminator 12 for substantially 0.25 seconds.

Preferably, time chip 35 can be preset to readily facilitate illumination of illuminator 12 for any time between 0.5 seconds and 2.0 seconds, such that any displacement of handheld firearm 18 during or after illumination initiation is readily visible to a user.

Preferably, training aid 10 includes a collimator 36 attached to, or integrally formed, with illuminator 12.

Preferably, collimator 36 is situated in adjacency to illuminator 12 for readily focusing light and/or electromagnetic radiation passing through collimator 36.

Preferably, collimators 36 of different characteristics can be used as known in the art for producing alternate focusing and/or collimating properties of illumination emitted from illuminator 12.

Preferably, collimator 36 focuses and/or collimates illumination passing through collimator 36 into a clear, circular area of illumination that is substantially between 0.01 and 0.1 centimeters in diameter when illuminating at 9 yards.

Preferably, collimator 36 focuses and/or collimates illumination passing through collimator 36 into a clear, circular area of illumination that is substantially between 0.1 and 0.6 centimeters in diameter when illuminating at 9 yards.

Preferably, a bias 38 is situated on, or in adjacency to, actuator 16 for readily displacing actuator 16 such that actuator 16 disengages and illumination ceases.

Preferably, training aid 10 includes an identification transmitter 37 (FIG. 2) for readily transmitting a signal from training aid 10 to any receiver.

Preferably, identification transmitter 37 readily transmits a signal substantially contemporaneously with every illumination of illuminator 12.

Preferably, identification transmitter 37 is capable of transmitting any type of signal compatible with any weapon simulation system known in the art, including but not limited to, Miles2000™. Namely and by way of example only identification transmitter 37 readily facilitates transmitting any signal indicative of simulating any weapon type.

Preferably, identification transmitter 37 is capable of transmitting any signal indicative of simulating any specific handheld firearm 18.

Optionally, training aid 10 is further comprised of a pneumatic element such as has been disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,962,805, for readily allowing discharge of training aid 10 as if training aid was a fully functional standard cartridge.

Optionally, handheld firearm 20 is further comprised of a pneumatic mechanism 40 (FIG. 2) such as has been disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,146,141, for readily simulating “kickback” when training aid 10 is engaged, as standard cartridge 30 had been discharged.

In operation, hammer 24 is displaced to a rearward position. Such rearward positioning of hammer 24 is known as “cocking” and usually a prerequisite step to discharging handheld firearm 20 and engaging training aid 10.

After handheld firearm 20 has been cocked, rearward displacement of trigger 22 results in a complementary displacement of the hammer 24 to a forward position, thereby striking firing pin 26. Such strikes causes firing pin 26 to strike actuator 16, the contact from such striking of actuator 16 thereby completing an electrical circuit.

Occasioning on a hammerless firearm 20 being used, in operation, firing pin 26 is displaced to a rearward position. Such rearward positioning of firing pin 26 is known as “cocking” and is a prerequisite step to discharging hammerless handheld firearm 20 and engaging training aid 10.

After hammerless handheld firearm 20 has been cocked, rearward displacement of trigger 22 results in a complementary release of firing pin 26 to a forward position, thereby striking actuator 16, the contact from such striking of actuator 16 thereby completing an electrical circuit.

Occasioning on handheld firearm 20 being a revolver, a bolt action rifle or handheld firearm 20 having a “double action” mechanism (DA) or double action only mechanism (DAO), illumination of illuminator 12 occurs substantially contemporaneously with firing pin 26 striking actuator 16.

Completion of electrical circuit brought about by firing pin 26 striking actuator 16 causes power source 14 to provide power to illuminator 12. Upon receiving power from power source 14, illuminator 12 emits illumination that passes through collimator 36 and further through barrel 28 and then out of handheld firearm 18 to a location collinear with barrel 28. In an embodiment of the present invention wherein illuminator 12 is a laser diode, illuminator 12 emits coherent electro-magnetic radiation that passes through collimator 36 before exiting barrel 28 of handheld firearm 18 to a location collinear with barrel 28.

Preferably, illuminator 12 illuminates for 0.05-0.5 seconds for every illumination.

The term “eye safe” as used herein includes, but is not limited to lasers in classes 1, 1M, 2 and 2M of American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z136.1 (2000) standard.

More preferably illuminator 12 illuminates substantially “eye safe” illumination.

Preferably, illumination of illuminator 12 is modulated between 10-100 KHz.

More preferably, illumination of illuminator 12 is modulated at substantially 40 KHz.

Preferably, illuminator 12 is capable of illuminating at any wavelength including, but not limited to, visible, Infra Red, Ultra Violet and X-ray wavelengths.

Preferably, illuminator 12 illuminates at a wavelength of substantially 635 nm.

Preferably, illuminator 12 illuminates substantially at a wavelength producing visible red illumination.

Preferably, illuminator 12 illuminates substantially at a wavelength producing visible green illumination.

Preferably, training aid 10 is compatible with any simulation known and used in the art including, but not limited to, Miles 2000™.

Preferably, duration of completed electrical circuit resulting from contact between firing pin 26 and actuator 16 is predetermined by bias 38, or by capacitor 34 circuitry located in training aid 10.

Occasioning on a hammerless firearm 20 being used, in operation, firing pin 26 is displaced to a rearward position. Such rearward positioning of firing pin 26 is known as “cocking” and is a prerequisite step to discharging hammerless handheld firearm 20 and engaging training aid 10.

After handheld firearm 18 has been cocked, rearward displacement of trigger 22 results in a complementary displacement of firing pin 26 to a forward position. Thereafter, firing pin 26 strikes actuator 16, the contact from such striking of actuator 16 thereby completing an electrical circuit.

Completion of electrical circuit brought about by firing pin 26 striking actuator 16 causes power source 14 to provide power to illuminator 12. Upon receiving power from power source 14, illuminator 12 emits illumination that passes through collimator 36 and further through barrel 28 and then out of handheld firearm 20 to a location collinear with barrel 28. In an embodiment of the present invention wherein illuminator 12 is a laser diode, illuminator 12 emits coherent electro-magnetic radiation that passes through collimator 36 before exiting barrel 28 of handheld firearm 20 to a location collinear with barrel 28.

Preferably, duration of completed electrical circuit resulting from contact between firing pin 26 and actuator 16 is predetermined by bias 38, or by capacitor 34 circuitry located in training aid 10.

As shown in FIG. 1, preferably, a plurality of training aids 10 and standard cartridges 30 are readily stored in a magazine 39 accommodated by handheld firearm 20.

Preferably, actuator 16 is activated in response to sound and/or vibration from firing pin 26 being struck by hammer 24 and/or firing pin 26 striking actuator 16 and/or firing pin 26 striking pressure sensitive switch 32.

Thus, training aid 10 can be used conjunctively with standard cartridges 30 thus readily providing point of aim and point of impact correlation to the user.

FIG. 2 shows a training aid system 40 including a magazine 41 for simulating live fire with handheld firearm 20.

Preferably, magazine 41 is readily accommodated in handheld firearm 42 and is inserted into magazine well 44 formed in handheld firearm.

Preferably, magazine 41 includes a weighted striker 46 for simulating subjective and objective recoil.

As used herein the term “objective recoil” includes but is not limited to the backwards displacement of a firearm by the conservation of momentum on emission of a projectile from the firearm, the rebounding of a firearm after the firearm has been fired.

As used herein the term “subjective recoil” includes but is not limited to the “flip” of a muzzle on a firearm after being fired and/or the felt torque of the firearm due to contrary forces being applied while a projectile travels down a rifled barrel and/or the slap the user feels and/or recoil impulse the user feels when firing a firearm.

Thus, weighted striker 46 is geared towards striking a striking surface 48 with sufficient energy and or momentum to simulate subjective recoil and/or objective recoil of any cartridge known in the art.

Preferably, weighted striker is rotatably displaceable about an axis 50. Preferably, axis 50 is attached to, or integrally formed with a bias 52. Preferably bias 52 is a leaf spring.

Preferably, magazine 41 includes a displacer 54 for readily displacing weighted striker 46 against striking surface 48.

Preferably, displacer 54 is selected from the group consisting of: a pneumatic displacer, an electro-magnetic displacer, a spring-loaded displacer, a hydraulic displacer, a stepper engine displacer and an electric displacer.

Preferably, magazine 41 includes at least one power source 56 for powering displacer 54.

Preferably, magazine 41 includes a contact point 58 in contact with a barrel 28 of handheld firearm 42.

Preferably, barrel 28 includes a training aid 10 of FIG. 1.

Preferably, displacer 54 of FIG. 2 is responsive to training aid 10 being activated and/or actuator 16 being activated and/or sound and/or vibration from firing pin 26 being struck by hammer 24 of FIG. 1 and/or firing pin 26 (not shown) striking pressure sensitive switch 32 being struck by firing pin 26 (not shown in FIG. 2).

Optionally, magazine 41 includes a signal booster 60 and a magazine transmitter 62 for readily transmitting signals to an audio apparatus 64 and/or a processing unit 66.

Optionally, magazine 41 includes an identification chip 61 for readily transmitting a signal from magazine 41 to any receiver.

Preferably, identification chip 61 readily transmits a signal substantially contemporaneously with every illumination of illuminator 12.

Preferably, identification chip 61 is capable of transmitting any type of signal compatible with any weapon simulation system known in the art, including but not limited to, Miles2000™. Namely and by way of example only identification chip 61 readily facilitates transmitting any signal indicative of simulating any weapon type.

Preferably, identification chip 61 is capable of transmitting any signal indicative of simulating any specific handheld firearm 18.

As shown in FIG. 2 a speaker 68 including a speaker receiver 70, is responsive to signals from magazine transmitter 62.

Optionally, speaker 68 can be attached to, or integrally formed with any processing unit, including, but not limited to a computer 72.

Preferably, signals from training aid 10 received by computer 72 are fully interfaced with any software running on computer 72.

More preferably, signals from training aid 10 received by computer 72 are fully interfaced with any on-line or web-based software running on computer 72 including, but not limited to, any Role Playing Game (RPG).

Preferably, training aid system 40 includes at least one headphone set 74 to be worn by a user during training sessions.

Preferably, headphone set 74 is responsive to signals from magazine transmitter 62.

Preferably, speaker 68 and/or headphones 74 are geared towards simulating the sounds of the specific handheld firearm 42 being fired and/or voicing instructions by a human instructor or voicing imbedded instructions in accordance to the training scenario being performed.

Preferably, headphones 74 include an autonomous power source 76. Preferably, headphones 74 include an activator 78 for readily controlling the mode of use of headphones 78 between regular mode and active mode.

Preferably headphones 74 include a receiver module 80 for readily receiving signals from identification transmitter 37 and/or magazine transmitter 62.

As used herein, the term “transmitter” includes, but is not limited to, a RF transmitter, an IR source, a WiFi module and a “blue tooth” module.

As used herein, the term “receiver” includes, but is not limited to, a RF receiver, an IR module, a WiFi module and a “blue tooth” module.

It will be appreciated that the above descriptions are intended to only serve as examples, and that many other embodiments are possible within the spirit and scope of the present invention. 

1. A training aid apparatus comprising: (a) a power source; (b) an illuminator electrically attached to said power source; and (c) an actuator electrically attached to said illuminator for readily controlling illumination of said illuminator.
 2. The training aid apparatus of claim 1, wherein the training aid has a concentric shape recalling that of a standard cartridge.
 3. The training aid apparatus of claim 1, wherein said illuminator is a light emitting diode.
 4. The training aid apparatus of claim 1, wherein said illuminator is a light bulb.
 5. The training aid apparatus of claim 1, wherein said illuminator is a laser.
 6. The training aid apparatus of claim 1, wherein said illuminator is an “eye safe” laser.
 7. The actuator of claim 1, further comprising a pressure sensitive switch.
 8. The pressure sensitive switch of claim 7, wherein said pressure sensitive switch is constructed of electrically conductive material.
 9. The pressure sensitive switch of claim 7, wherein pressure sensitive switch simulates a firearm primer.
 10. The actuator of claim 1, wherein said actuator includes an energy absorbing material.
 11. The training aid apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a collimator for focusing and/or collimating illumination passing through said collimator.
 12. The training aid apparatus of claim 1, wherein said collimator collimates illumination passing through said collimator into an area of illumination is substantially between 0.01 and 0.1 centimeters in diameter when illuminating at 9 yards.
 13. The training aid apparatus of claim 1, wherein said collimator collimates illumination passing through said collimator into an area of illumination is substantially between 0.1 and 0.6 centimeters in diameter when illuminating at 9 yards.
 14. The training aid apparatus of claim 1, wherein said power source includes a capacitor for limiting illumination duration.
 15. The training aid apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a time chip for controlling the time of illumination of said illuminator.
 16. The training aid apparatus of claim 15, wherein said time chip facilitates illumination of said illuminator for any time between 0.01 seconds and 1.0 seconds.
 17. The training aid apparatus of claim 15, wherein said time chip facilitates “eye safe” illumination of said illuminator.
 18. The training aid apparatus of claim 15, wherein said time chip facilitates illumination of said illuminator for substantially 0.25 seconds.
 19. The training aid apparatus of claim 15, wherein said time chip facilitates illumination of said illuminator for any time between 0.5 seconds and 2.0 seconds
 20. The training aid apparatus of claim 1, wherein said illuminator is modulated between 10-100 KHz.
 21. The training aid apparatus of claim 1, wherein said illuminator is modulated at substantially 40 KHz.
 22. The training aid apparatus of claim 1, wherein said illuminator illuminates at any wavelength.
 23. The training aid apparatus of claim 1, wherein said illuminator illuminates substantially at a wavelength producing visible red illumination.
 24. The training aid apparatus of claim 1, wherein said illuminator illuminates substantially at a wavelength producing visible green illumination.
 25. The training aid apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a transmitter for transmitting a signal.
 26. The training aid apparatus of claim 25, wherein said signal is compatible with any weapon simulation system.
 27. A training aid system comprising: (a) a handheld firearm including a barrel; (b) a training aid apparatus situated in said barrel including: (i) a power source; (ii) an illuminator electrically attached to said power source; and (iii) an actuator electrically attached to said illuminator for readily controlling illumination of said illuminator; and (c) an audio apparatus responsive to said training aid apparatus.
 28. The training aid system of claim 27, wherein said training aid apparatus includes a wireless transmitter and said audio apparatus includes a receiver.
 29. The training aid system of claim 27, wherein said firearm includes a magazine with an identification chip and said audio apparatus includes a receiver.
 30. The training aid system of claim 27, wherein said training aid apparatus has a concentric shape recalling that of a standard cartridge.
 31. The training aid system of claim 27, wherein said training aid apparatus includes a pneumatic element.
 32. The training aid system of claim 29, wherein said magazine includes a weighted striker for simulating subjective and objective recoil.
 33. The training aid system of claim 32, wherein said magazine further includes a displacer for readily displacing said weighted striker against a striking surface.
 34. The training aid system of claim 32, wherein said displacer is responsive to an action selected from the group consisting of: said training aid apparatus being activated, said actuator being activated, a sound from a firing pin, a vibration from said firing pin and said firing pin striking said actuator.
 35. The training aid system of claim 27, wherein said audio apparatus further includes a speaker.
 36. The training aid system of claim 27, wherein said apparatus audio apparatus further includes a speaker for simulating a sound selected from the group consisting of: a specific handheld firearm being fired, voicing instructions by a human instructor and voicing imbedded instructions in accordance to a training scenario.
 37. The training aid system of claim 27, wherein said audio apparatus includes a set of headphones for simulating a sound selected from the group consisting of: a specific handheld firearm being fired, voicing instructions by a human instructor and voicing imbedded instructions in accordance to a training scenario.
 38. The training aid system of claim 27, wherein said audio apparatus further includes a processing unit.
 39. The training aid system of claim 38, wherein said processing unit is a computer.
 40. The training aid system of claim 39, wherein said computer is interfaced to a signal from said training aid apparatus.
 41. The training aid system of claim 39, wherein said signal received by said computers is fully interfaced with any on-line or web-based software running on said computer. 